What to Do When the Windshield Wiper Stops Working?
3 Answers
Windshield wiper not working solutions: 1. Open the fuse box for inspection; 2. Replace the blown fuse; 3. If there is a burning smell when turning on the wiper, the motor is likely burnt out—replace it with a new one at a repair shop. The windshield wiper, officially known as a wiper, is an important accessory installed on the windshield to remove rain, snow, and dust that obstruct visibility. Wipers can be categorized by their driving mechanisms into mechanical, vacuum, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric types. Cars generally use electric wipers, which are advantageous for their simple structure and easy control. An electric wiper consists of a motor, crank, linkage, wiper arm, and blade. When the motor rotates, it drives the crank and linkage, causing the wiper arm and blade to move across the glass.
Oh, my car's wipers suddenly stopped working—what a headache. I remember the last time this happened was during a heavy rainstorm while driving. I pressed the switch and got no response at all, which scared me so much that I quickly turned down the music to listen for any humming from the motor. First, I had to calm down and check the simplest things: pop the hood and locate the fuse box—usually under the steering wheel or in the engine bay—then refer to the manual to find the wiper-related fuse and see if it's burnt black. If it is, just buy a new fuse for a few bucks and replace it. But if there's no sound from the motor, the linkage might be stuck, or maybe a branch got jammed in there, or the switch button itself is broken. This thing affects visibility in the rain, so absolutely don’t force it and drive—test it on a sunny day and only hit the road after fixing it. I usually spray some lubricant regularly and clean the dust buildup under the wiper arms to prevent issues before they happen. If I really can’t figure it out, I just head straight to the repair shop—better safe than sorry.
With over twenty years of driving experience, I've seen my fair share of wiper issues. Once on the highway during heavy rain, I flipped the switch and nothing happened—instant panic. Experience taught me to first check if the fuse was blown—replacing a fuse is quick and cheap. Next, the motor: listen for any sound when you press the switch; no sound likely means a short circuit or aging wiring. If it makes noise but doesn’t move, the linkage might be rusted or debris could be blocking it under the windshield. Don’t push through—pull over safely with hazard lights on, wipe the windshield with a cloth, and reassess. I make it a habit to test the wipers monthly, clearing away leaves and grime to prevent issues. Though small, the wiper system is vital for safety. Delaying repairs risks motor failure or accidents, so I always recommend visiting a professional shop early—replacement costs just a few hundred bucks. DIY fixes are fine for simple tasks, but leave the complex work to the experts.
